DR JULIAN WOJTULEWICZ,
MB BS MA (PHIL) FRACP Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Sleep Physician. Biography
Julian is a graduate of the University of Sydney Medical School. His general paediatric training was undertaken at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Camperdown, Sydney and advanced neonatal training at the Hospital for Sick Children and Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Julian worked for almost 20 years in neonatal intensive care centred in a children’s hospital; initially in Toronto, then Camperdown and subsequently Westmead, in Sydney. He has published on a range of topics in peer reviewed national and international medical journals on various aspects of neonatal care and management, including neuro-development following premature birth, acute respiratory failure in term infants and causes for, and recovery from, neonatal enterocolitis. A reflective sabbatical was undertaken at the prestigious philosophy department of Georgetown University in Washington DC, USA where he completed a Masters degree majoring in applied ethics. He is passionate about fair distribution of health access for children as well as issues of moral and legal responsibility for the wellbeing and protection of the young, including end of life decision-making. In the words of a colleague, “he woke up one day and went to sleep”. Advanced training in paediatric sleep medicine took place at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network at Randwick and Westmead, and with Professor Colin Sullivan, the inventor on non-invasive CPAP, at the University of Sydney. He remains close to these organisations and the individuals within them. His prime research interest in sleep is in relation to the impact of low iron stores on behaviour, sleep patterns and restlessness, in kids. He is an articulate and enthusiastic educator. |
DR MINNA KOO
MBBS, MA (Cantab), DRCOG, DCH, FRACP Consultant Paediatrician BIOGRAPHY
Minna graduated from the University of Cambridge and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, London. After working as a junior doctor in the UK, she made her home in Sydney and completed her specialist paediatric training in Australia through The Children’s Hospital at Westmead whilst parenting three sons. She has wide ranging experience in general paediatrics and neonatology in metropolitan and regional hospitals, most recently as a staff specialist through the NSW Rural Paediatric Support Program based at Sydney Children’s Hospital. She currently has a part time appointment as staff specialist paediatrician in Kids Rehab at CHW. Working with the Genetic Metabolic and the Paediatric Rehabilitation services at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead during training gave her a glimpse into the joys, challenges and potential for each child. This has led to an interest in caring for children with long term complex health conditions, disability, developmental and behavioural issues as their paediatrician and being able to make a positive impact in a child’s life continues to inspire her. She conducted an audit of weight management for boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2020 and has experience of paediatric weight management services during training. As a mother of three adolescent boys, she has an insight into the landscape of life as a working parent and has seen families benefitting from professional help and guidance to navigate a path through their unique set of circumstances. She endeavours to provide child-centred care, focussing on individualised goals for children of any age through to adolescence presenting with a range of childhood issues. Her main areas of interest include disability and associated problems, ADHD management, growth and development, bedwetting, weight management guidance and supporting new mothers and babies in the early years. Affiliations
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DR NATALIE GENTIN (nee WAINBERGAS)
MB BS FRACP General Paediatrician, Paediatric Sleep and Respiratory Physician. Biography
Natalie completed her medical degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. She undertook her specialist paediatric training in Australia. Her advanced sleep and respiratory training was done at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and the Children's Hospital at Westmead. She has completed fellowships in Cystic Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. She has completed a Masters degree in Sleep Medicine through the University of Sydney. She has a wide variety of clinical interests including sleep, general paediatrics, ADHD and respiratory medicine, and is actively involved in research and education. She is an honorary staff specialist sleep physician at Sydney Children’s Hospital and a conjoint lecturer at the University of New South Wales. She also consults in Darwin in the Northern Territory. She is a mother of two young girls and adds her personal experience to her clinical skills. |
DR SAMRIDH NAGAR
General Paediatrician biography
Dr Samridh Nagar is a Neonatal and General paediatrician with special interest in developmental and behavioural paediatrics. This includes the diagnosis and management of ADHD, Autism, Developmental trauma, Intellectual as well as Specific learning disability and other behavioural and developmental disorders. He is a member of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural paediatric society of Australasia (NBPSA). Dr Nagar trained extensively at the Sydney Children’s Hospital network and has worked in various neonatal and paediatric units across Sydney and NSW. Dr Nagar has been working as a Consultant Paediatrician in NSW for the last 7 years and is committed to providing excellent care in paediatrics. He has been working in paediatrics for more than 22 years, which includes his overseas training and experience in the specialty. He is involved with RACP (Royal Australasian College of Physicians) activities as a clinical examiner and in assessment of paediatric training. With extensive training in neonatology and paediatrics, he has the expertise of follow up of preterm infants and their developmental issues as well as neonatal issues like Jaundice, feeding issues, poor growth etc. Other interests include Food allergy, Asthma, Eczema, sleep disturbances, seizures and other general paediatric issues. New referrals for the age group 0-16 years are welcome. Dr Nagar works closely with the parents to provide specialist evidence based care for their children. |
DR NEHA SETHI
Consultant Paediatrician MB BS FRACP BIOGRAPHY
Neha is a General Paediatrician, having graduated from the University of New South Wales and completed her specialist training in paediatrics at The Children’s Hospital Westmead. She is a Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) with over 10 years of paediatric experience. She has a special interest in behavioural and developmental paediatrics, in particular developmental delay, intellectual disability, ADHD, Autism, and anxiety. She is passionate about helping children and families reach their potential and strives to achieve this in a holistic manner. She is also adept at managing general paediatric concerns. In addition to working at The Kite Centre, Neha is a Staff Specialist Paediatrician at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals, as well as at Integrated and Community Health in Western Sydney. She is a mother of two and brings her personal experience to her clinical practice. |
POONAM SHAH
Occupational Therapist Biography
Poonam has a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Sydney. She has extensive experience working with neurodiverse children and has had her own private practice for the past five (5) years in Australia and in New Zealand. Poonam has worked one-to-one with children in their home, with their families, and with the schools. She is focused on providing family-centred, client-driven and evidence-based practice. She uses a strength-based approach to enable kids to reach their full potential. Poonam has clinical experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Global Developmental Delays (GDD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) / Dyspraxia, Intellectual Disabilities, Sensory Processing difficulties, as well as with kids that have Visual Perception difficulties, general developmental delays, handwriting difficulties and behavioural challenges. Poonam’s skills include providing fun, motivating, multi-sensory and individually tailored therapy in areas such as: • Fine and gross motor; • Handwriting programs; • Behavioural management (positive behaviour learning); • Building attention; • Chronic toileting issues; • Self-regulation; • Social skills; • Sensory needs; • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including dressing; • Visual processing and visual memory; and • Executive function skills. Poonam has experience with using the Alert program, Zones of Regulation programs, Brain Gym, Social Thinking Program, Handwriting without tears and Collaborative Proactive Solutions Program. Poonam is a mother of two (2) energetic children who have reinforced her passion for paediatrics and taught her the importance of play and sensory stimulation in a child’s development. |
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GEORGIA BISSET
Paediatric Physiotherapist biography
Georgia is a passionate physiotherapist with an avid interest in Paediatrics. Having had exposure to both the public and private physiotherapy settings, Georgia loves the challenge of working across a broad range of conditions. She comes with clinical experience working with children with developmental delays, connective tissue disorders (hypermobility), genetic conditions, coordination difficulties, gait and postural concerns, musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. She has worked across the sporting spectrum, both with school sport and alongside some of Australia’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. She worked closely with the NSW Institute of Sport preparing the athletes for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. Georgia thrives on seeing children reach their full potential. She believes in providing a energic and welcoming environment for children and their families. Georgia graduated with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and a Masters of Physiotherapy. |
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JULIET RIDGE
Paediatric Physiotherapist biography
Juliet is a passionate and dedicated Paediatric Physiotherapist committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. With a genuine love for helping young people achieve their full potential, Juliet brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to Physi Kids Physiotherapy. Juliet boasts 12 years of dance teaching experience. She is a registered ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, and also teaches acrobatics, jazz, lyrical and dance-specific conditioning classes. This experience, blended with Juliet’s musculoskeletal expertise has given her exposure to a diverse range of cases, including but not limited to developmental delays, hypermobility, and musculoskeletal disorders in infants, toddlers, school-aged children and adolescents. Juliet is able to conduct pre-pointe assessments and has a natural aptitude for breaking down movement patterns to harness success in her therapy sessions. She believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care for your child. Juliet graduated with a Doctor of Physiotherapy, following attainment of a Bachelor of Health Science (Sport and Exercise Science). |
NATALIE MORTIMER
Registered Psychologist Biography
Natalie is a registered psychologist with over a decade of experience working with children and their families. She is interested in the parent-child relationship and adopting evidence based therapies to support meaningful change in the family system. Natalie creates a calm, compassionate and empathic therapeutic environment to facilitate the strengthening of relationships. Natalie has developed her skills over 10 years working in Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMHS) settings and most recently in education. Problems she can support families with:
Natalie has two young children of her own, and understands the difficulties with modern life and parenting. She is available on Wednesdays for appointments, and specialises in children under 12 and their families. Qualifications Natalie holds current registration with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Postgraduate Degree in Psychology, and completed her registration in 2010. Therapeutic approaches Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) Circle of security |
ASHLEIGH GELLERT (nee Palombi)
Paediatric Physiotherapist Biography
Ash is wildly passionate about every child deserving the opportunity to be the very best that they can be. She holds this at the heart of the assessment and treatment of each child that comes through the doors of The Kite Centre, all while making their experience fun. Ash blends her extensive experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy with a wide-ranging knowledge of Paediatric care to achieve the best possible outcome for each and every child. She has experience working with children of all ages, from newborns through to adolescents, who experience developmental delays, have connective tissue disorders (hypermobility), genetic conditions, coordination difficulties, gait and postural concerns, and musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Ash has worked in some of Sydney’s finest schools and with a wide variety of sporting teams, leading their Physiotherapy programs and developing sport-specific screening tools; designed to flag injury risks and improve performance. Ash uses this experience, blended with her natural aptitude for fun, to ensure that all children and adolescents maximise their sporting and participation potential, may that be in a 1:1 assessment and treatment capacity or in the Physio led group classes that she has developed. Ash holds a Bachelor of Human Nutrition and a Master of Physiotherapy. She has completed a range of postgraduate Paediatric Physiotherapy training and continues to stay up to date with the most relevant evidence-based assessments and interventions, ensuring the highest quality of care is always provided to your child. Appointments can be made to see Ashleigh via the below online booking system; https://physi-kids-physiotherapy.au3.cliniko.com/bookings |
SIMON DA ROZA
Educational Consultant Biography
Simons’ passion for education and insight into the minds of children, how they learn and why they do the things they do, has established him as an acclaimed and much-loved expert in his field. Specialising in behaviour change, early literacy and growth mindset for children with anxiety, ADHD and autism, Simon has over 30 years of experience in teaching, leading and inspiring children, parents and educators to embrace a life-long journey of learning. His passion for education and insight into the minds of children, how they learn and why they do the things they do, will help you understand how to help your children be the very best they can be.
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EMMA BROWN
Practice Manager biography
Emma comes to Kite with 20 years of business and administration experience, having managed multiple businesses across several different industries. She brings to the Practice Manager role, an expertise in leadership, a high focus on customer service along with organisational & analytical skills. Emma builds strong and personalised relationships with clients, key stakeholders and team members alike. She enjoys being part of a forward thinking team and working alongside likeminded people. Her extensive travels have instilled in her a broad perspective and sensitivity towards different people and varying cultures. Her success comes from her intrinsic interest in, and warmth towards others. As a Northern Beaches local, Emma is committed to being part of a meaningful, innovative business while ensuring the Kite Centre is the leading Paediatric Health Care Centre in the community. She enjoys a challenge, and brims with initiative and enthusiasm. Emma is a devoted Mum, which adds to her personal experience and empathy for children and their families. |
DR FIONA ARROWSMITH
Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) BIOGRAPHY
Fiona Arrowsmith is a paediatric Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) as well as a Mum of 3 busy boys. Fiona has 22 years of experience treating a wide range of medical conditions at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia. In addition, Fiona is a Registered NDIS Provider and a Credentialed Eating Disorder Dietitian. Fiona can help your child with the following areas:
Fiona can work closely with your child's medical and allied health professionals to achieve the optimum outcome. |
ANITA CONNELL
Director of Tuned In Music Therapy, Registered Music Therapist Biography
Anita is the founder of Tuned In Music Therapy, an allied health service providing individual music therapy programs and group music therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Tuned In Music Therapy aim to support the use of music in everyday life to enhance health and well-being. Families report that our music therapy programs enhance communication, emotional regulation, cognitive capacity, creativity & social skills. Anita and her team use improvisational music therapy techniques to support health and wellbeing. This means that each program is individually designed to include the persons’ musical preferences and a range of musical instruments are used to extend free musical communication and expression. Programs are designed to affirm strengths and explore areas where music therapy can enhance individual and family wellbeing. No prior musical experience is required to attend a music therapy program; our team of music therapists support creative and musical play through the program. Anita presents at conferences and events on the value of music therapy and how it can create positive change for all abilities. She is currently completing her PhD at the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development examining the cognitive and socio-emotional effects of learning music through creative musical play. You can read more at www.tunedinmusictherapy.com or visit their instagram page to see music therapy in action (@tunedin_musictherapy) |
LAUREN LEEMING
Paediatric Feeding Specialist Biography
Lauren is an accredited practicing Speech Pathologist as well as a mum to three busy kids and a gorgeous Labradoodle. She has over 19 years of experience in paediatric feeding difficulties and has worked internationally in South Africa and the UK. She has recently made the decision to move from the tertiary hospital setting (Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick), where she has been working for the past 15 years, to start a private feeding intervention service on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Lauren offers expert advice, support and guidance for children of all ages with various feeding concerns. Her primary goal is to promote safe and functional feeding skills, whilst fostering a responsive feeding approach for mealtime connection, inclusion and autonomy. Lauren has worked extensively across a variety of clinical settings pertaining to paediatric feeding disorders. She has also participated in numerous post graduate training courses and clinical guideline committees. Lauren offers support for all feeding concerns including (and not limited to): • Difficulty with bottle and/or breastfeeding. • Difficulty transitioning to solids from breast/ bottle feeding. • Learning to chew safely and more efficiently i.e. oro-motor concerns. • Concerns about swallow safety and aspiration (dysphagia). • Food hesitancy (aka “picky eating”) and restricted range of foods eaten. • Oral aversion/ restricted intake related to previous negative experiences/ trauma (including allergies and complex medical/social history). • Mealtime differences secondary to autism and ADHD. • Tube weaning. Lauren enjoys working collaboratively with caregivers and other healthcare professionals to achieve optimal feeding outcomes for children. |
MICHELLE THOMPSON-LAING
Speech Language Pathologist and Clinical Audiologist biography
Michelle is a dual qualified speech-language pathologist and clinical audiologist. She holds a Bachelor of Speech & Hearing Sciences, a Master of Clinical Audiology and a Master of Speech Pathology. Michelle has worked with families and children for over 15 years, initially as an audiologist and now as a speech pathologist. She currently offers speech, language and literacy assessment and intervention at The Kite Centre and will also be able to offer comprehensive audiological assessments for children at the centre in the near future. As a Mum of three young boys herself, Michelle understands the value of working collaboratively with families and engaging children in a fun and supportive environment. She has a particular interest in early intervention and parent training as well as general paediatric speech and language intervention. She works with children with a range of developmental delays and disabilities, including ASD, speech sound disorder, language delay, social skill deficits and feeding difficulties, as well as children who are otherwise typically developing but need some extra support in speech, language or literacy. Michelle holds additional training in the SOS approach to feeding, Secret Agent Society (social skills), Sounds-Write and Orton Gillingham literacy intervention and positive behaviour support. |
Sangeeta Mennon
Occupational Therapist Biography
Sangeeta comes with impressive skills having worked exclusively in paediatrics since her graduation from university in 2018. She has a strong interest in working with children and families who have been affected by their neurodiversity, trauma or developmental delays. Sangeeta has delivered therapy across a range of settings including clinics, home settings, preschools, schools and community centres as well as telehealth platforms ensuring accessibility for all families. More recently Sangeeta was chosen to head up a new trauma-informed Occupational Therapy Program within the Sydney Children’s Hospital where she not only managed her own complex caseload, but conducted consultations and collaborated with local health networks, the internal multidisciplinary team NGO’s and community organisations. Sangeeta has also implemented supported play groups for children and worked effectively within the funding limitations of the NDIS. |
LISA STAPLES
Senior Receptionist biography
Lisa has 30 years’ experience as an administration officer and medical receptionist. Her skills have seen her previously work in Allied Health and Psychology practices, among many other diverse industries. She has love for front desk management and connecting with patients. Lisa prides herself on her customer service and having patients leave with a happy and positive experience. Lisa has lived on the Northern Beaches for 30 years and loves all it has to offer. When not working, Lisa loves to travel and spending time with her family. As a mother of 3 children, she is compassionate and understanding of the challenges facing parents of today. |
Vanessa Lindsay
Receptionist Biography
Kite Centre is delighted to welcome Vanessa as part of our reception team. Vanessa joins us with 20 years office administration experience across many diverse industries and has first hand knowledge of working with NDIA. Her bubbly personality, warmth, attention to detail & organisational skills bring a unique blend of positive energy and expertise to the role. Vanessa is a Northern Beaches local with close ties to the community. As a mother of 3 lovely children, Vanessa has a broad understanding of Paediatric conditions and shows compassion and empathy to children and parents alike. |